Requesting to Present or Submit a Petition
Council welcomes public input on matters of community concern. If you want to bring an issue to Council's attention, you can request to make a presentation (called a delegation) or submit a petition. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Warden will review all requests and determine how best to bring the matter before Council, whether that's scheduling a presentation, adding it to the meeting agenda as correspondence, or managing it through another process. Here's how to get started.
Making a Presentation (Delegation)
A delegation is an opportunity for you or your organization to speak directly to Council about a matter of concern.
How to Request a Presentation
Step 1: Submit Your Request
Submit your request in writing to the Office of the CAO. Email .
What to include in your request:
- Your name and contact information
- A clear description of what you want to talk about
- Any supporting documents that help explain your issue
- Organization name (if you're representing a group)
Step 2: Your Request Will Be Reviewed
The CAO and Warden will review your request and decide the best way to present it to Council. You'll receive a written response within 10 business days letting you know the decision.
Your request may be:
- Scheduled as a presentation at a Committee of the Whole meeting
- Included on the agenda as correspondence
- Managed through another appropriate process
In some cases, the CAO and Warden may decline a request. If this happens, Council will be informed of the decision.
Step 3: Prepare Your Materials
Once your presentation is approved, you'll need to submit your presentation materials (slides, handouts, etc.) to the Office of the CAO at least 7 business days before the scheduled meeting. If you miss this deadline, your presentation will be moved to the next available meeting.
Step 4: Present at the Meeting
You'll have 15 minutes total for your presentation. Council members may ask you questions afterward.
At the Meeting
When it's your turn:
- The Chairperson will invite you to the presentation desk
- Start by stating your name and organization (if applicable)
- If presenting as a group, have 1-2 spokespersons share the 15 minutes
- Council members may ask questions after your presentation
- Stay at the presenter's table until the Chairperson excuses you
Submitting a Petition
A petition is a formal written request, signed by multiple individuals, that asks Council for a specific outcome or action.
How to Submit a Petition
Step 1: Prepare Your Petition
Your petition must include:
- The purpose of the petition (what you're asking Council to do)
- The petition start date
- Lead petitioner contact information (name, civic address, telephone number, and email as available)
- Names and civic addresses of all people who signed the petition
Step 2: Submit Your Petition
Submit your completed petition in writing to the Office of the CAO. Email your petition to
Step 3: Your Petition Will Be Reviewed
The CAO and Warden will review your petition and decide the best way to present it to Council. You'll receive a written response within 10 business days.
Your petition may be:
- Scheduled for presentation at a Committee of the Whole meeting (you may be invited to present)
- Included on the agenda as correspondence
- Managed through another appropriate process
Public Record
All presentation materials and petitions become part of the public agenda and public record. Committee of the Whole meetings are live-streamed and/or recorded.
Related Documents
- Delegations and Petitions to Municipal Council Policy
- Council Procedural Policy
- Strategic Communications Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
For general information on presenting to Council at the Committee of the Whole, please see the Frequently Asked Questions below.
When are Council Meetings held?
Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the Month. Please refer to the Schedule of Meetings for upcoming council meeting dates.
Are Council Meetings open to the public?
Yes. You are welcome to attend all Council Meetings held in Council Chambers with the exception of In Camera meetings. You may choose to stay for the entire meeting or just for the items that interest you. If you have a cellular telephone, we ask that the telephone be turned off or placed on silent mode while the meeting is in session.
How will I know when it is my turn to speak?
The Chairperson will invite you to come forward to the presentation desk.
How do I begin?
Begin by stating your name and, if applicable, the name of the organization you are representing. If several members of a group are present, only 1 - 2 persons should be appointed to act as a spokesperson for the entire group.
How long do I have to present?
Presenters are encouraged to have only one speaker, who will be limited to a 15-minute presentation. Presentations may have more than one speaker, but collectively, speakers are limited to a 15-minute time period. Staff shall make presenter(s) aware of this time limit when arrangements for the presentation are being made. Questions from members of Council may follow the presentation.
What do I do after my presentation?
Council may ask you questions. Please remain at the presenter's table until excused by the Chairperson.
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Please contact:
Shelley David
Municipal Clerk/Communications Officer
By Phone: (902) 226-3971
By email: